Special envoy to Lyon

FAVORITES

With three victories in three matches, Wales are quietly moving towards first place in Group D. Who would have bet on that in March, when Dan Biggar’s teammates were corrected at the Stade de France by the Blues ( 41-28) and finished second to last in the Six Nations Tournament for the second year in a row? Or in August when they suffered South African law (16-52) in a preparation match? Returning to the helm at the start of the year after a first long stint between 2007 and 2019, Warren Gatland was able to turn things around and reinstill some soul into this aging team. Since its first complicated but ultimately improved success against Fiji, the Leek XV is gaining strength. How far can he go?

Wales has quite simply recorded the largest victory in its history against Australia (34 points difference). It is also, after the group match of the 2019 World Cup won 29 to 25, the second consecutive success in the World Cup for the Leek XV against this opponent. The Wallabies had however won 16 of the last 20 confrontations. And in particular a spectacular test match in November 2022 (39-34). Reversal of hierarchy?

23 years old, 14 small selections, and already captain of Wales. The Ospreys third row delivered a solid match, in defense, where he distinguished himself by an omnipresence in the tackle, as well as in attack. Launched by Biggar at the very start of the match, he manages to break a tackle and pass to Gareth Davies who just has to run for the try (7th). Still in the first half, following a stolen touch by the Welsh lineout, the flanker found an incredible 50-22 thanks to a mammoth kick, almost in his 22 meters (26th). The icing on the cake was his own try at the very end of the match (78th) after a nice carried ball. With Jac Morgan as leader of his troops, the XV du Poireau can look to the future with peace of mind.

After the green tide in Paris on Saturday evening on the sidelines of South Africa-Ireland, Lyon experienced a surge of supporters dressed in red. Gathering in bars, on squares and around Groupama Stadium, the Welsh were vocal all day long to encourage their team. In the afternoon, Place Antonin-Poncet which adjoins the famous Place Bellecour was even transformed into a giant choir. Thousands of fans gathered there to sing along. The fervor did not diminish once the match started, and Warren Gatland’s men were able to benefit from constant support.

CLAW STRIKES

Before this 2023 edition, Australia played in nine World Cups, won two (1991, 1999), and has never failed to get out of its group. Soon ancient history. This resounding defeat against Wales extinguishes hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals. The Wallabies no longer have their destiny in their hands: only a misstep by Fiji against Portugal or Georgia would allow them to avoid a premature exit. The legend Tim Horan, double world champion, had nevertheless warned his successors: “Not qualifying for the quarter-finals of the World Cup would have serious consequences.” His message was not heard. Many Australian fans left the stands five minutes before the end of the match. Disappointed.

A starter in the last five matches but heavily criticized, young Australian fly-half Carter Gordon (22) started this match on the bench. His successor, fullback Ben Donaldson, unfortunately did not do much better. He made a good feint in the first half to pierce the Welsh curtain but lacked the lucidity behind to pass his ball cleanly (17th). He gradually lost the keys to the Wallabies’ game, notably sending a referral directly into touch (39th). Replaced quite early in the second half by Carter Gordon, who mainly distinguished himself with a missed penalty (76th) while his team already had its head underwater. Eddie Jones and his staff have not found the solution to a position where the experience of Bernard Foley or Quade Cooper might have done some good.

Surprised by Fiji last Sunday in Saint-Etienne, Australia hoped to improve in physical impact, discipline and ruck zones to beat Wales. Unfortunately, in the rucks, it was Will Rowlands’ teammates who laid down the law. And the Wallabies were once again penalized too much (12 times). Without forgetting an offensive game that was too uncreative and inspired to hope to overcome the Welsh fortress.

The RC Toulon opener only had seven minutes to light up Groupama Stadium with his talent. It is he who finds space on Gareth Davies’ try with a nice inside throw. Unfortunately, he injured his shoulder a few minutes later while tackling Richie Arnold at the last minute who was running into the goal (11th). Wales thus lost its most capped player (111 caps) and an outstanding scorer. For how long ? The exams will tell. Entering his place, Gareth Anscombe rather assured against the poles, missing only one penalty (19th) and a conversion (79th). He especially delivered a small kick on Tompkins’ try (48th) and passed a drop at the end of the match (70th). Voted man of the match.

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